From what age can I take supplements?
We often get asked if our supplements can also be used by children. The answer to this is actually simple: yes. All Neapharma products are perfectly suitable for children. However, we would like to emphasize that moderation is key. We also do not advocate for children using recovery shakes or Omega 3 (they are not exactly cheap either). Of course, it is better to give a child an isotonic sports drink during exertion. The body can use an extra boost during any physical activity, and children do sweat as well. Some 13-year-olds even engage in quite intense training for their age, making sports nutrition a necessity for them too. However, if your child is going for a leisurely bike ride for an hour, there is no reason to equip them like a professional athlete.
Where can I go if I have questions about my shipment?
You can reach us via info@neapharma.be, our website chat at the bottom right, WhatsApp (0468133037), and phone (0468133037). We always provide a complete and accurate response, so you can ask questions about our products anytime and anywhere.
Did you collaborated with Cyclist Mathieu Van der Poel
We collaborated during the period when Mathieu discovered his strength on the road. Mathieu, three-time world champion Sanne Cant, and the entire Corendon team extensively used and contributed to the further development of our products. During that time, we found that using the Pro-Elite Recovery for an extended period also leads to increased strength and wattage, thanks to the thorough recovery that follows the shake. We maintain a close connection with this team, as Kristof De Kegel, co-owner of Neapharma, also serves as the performance manager for the Alpecin-Fenix cycling team.
Is Neapharma suitable for crossfitters?
In short: yes
"Our products are specially developed to optimally support endurance efforts in any sport. Based on the unique demands of crossfit, our Pro-Leucine and Pro-Elite Recovery shake, alongside our drinks and bars for short-term and long-term energy needs, and our gels for short-term energy requirements, can be a particular aid to get the most out of your workouts. They ensure maximum (re)building of your muscles and prepare you optimally for your next strength effort. We strongly recommend leucine instead of creatine because the latter can only be used for 3 to 4 weeks before losing its effectiveness. Leucine, on the other hand, improves your overall fitness even with prolonged use (beyond 3 weeks). Additionally, Leucine is healthier and more effective in the long term for muscle building and recovery." How to get a personalised Fuel plan
At Neapharma, we combine our superior sports nutrition with our own free Fuel Plan App. Utilize the same tools as the professionals, thanks to coach & Performance Manager Kristof De Kegel. The app generates a personalized nutrition plan in seconds. The nutrition plan tells you hour by hour and kilometer by kilometer what you should eat and drink, entirely tailored to yourself and your goals. Thus, your nutrition plan will look entirely different when you go for a training ride or attempt to break a personal best. This app is also suitable for competitive cyclists.
How can I personalize my isotonic sports drink?
At Neapharma, we combine our Superior sports nutrition with our own Fuel Plan App. But that's not a must! You can use each Neapharma product on its own: an energy gel, recovery shake, or isotonic drink. Or you can personalize your sports nutrition with Kristof De Kegel's Fuel Plan App. Based on your energy expenditure, temperature, sweat profile, and 28 other parameters, you can personalize your isotonic drink and carbohydrate intake, and our free Fuel Plan App will assist you. - Pro Carb Max sticks: You turn your isotonic drink into a hypertonic drink because you want to absorb much more carbohydrates (=energy). This is perfect in the final stages or at the start of a significant challenge. Add 1 to 2 sticks to your isotonic sports drink. - Hydro & O.R.S. sticks: Add 1 to 2 sticks to your isotonic drink to maximize support for your fluid balance. You can combine both the Carb Max sticks and the Hydro sticks in one water bottle with your isotonic sports drink.
What is the importance of salts and minerals?
Salts and minerals play a crucial role in the overall health and performance of athletes. These substances, also known as electrolytes, are essential for various bodily functions and can be lost during physical activity through sweating. Here are some reasons why salts and minerals are important for athletes:
- Fluid Balance: Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, help maintain fluid balance in the body. During exercise, excessive sweating can lead to the loss of these electrolytes, which may result in dehydration if not replenished.
- Muscle Function: Calcium, potassium, and sodium are crucial for normal muscle function. A proper electrolyte balance is essential to prevent muscle cramps and weakness.
- Nerve Function: Electrolytes are involved in transmitting nerve impulses in the body. A balanced electrolyte status is crucial for effective communication between nerve cells, which is important for muscle contraction and coordination.
- Energy Production: Various minerals, including magnesium, are involved in cellular-level energy production. Adequate energy production is crucial for sports performance.
- Recovery after Exertion: After exercising, it is important to replenish lost electrolytes to promote recovery. This helps reduce muscle soreness, fatigue, and maintains a healthy electrolyte level.
- Prevention of Hyponatremia: During prolonged exertion, excessive water intake without sufficient electrolyte intake can lead to hyponatremia, a serious condition where the sodium concentration in the blood becomes too low.
Athletes can replenish electrolytes by consuming sports drinks, dietary supplements, or by eating foods naturally rich in these minerals. It is important to pay attention to individual needs, depending on the intensity and duration of physical activity, climate, and individual factors such as body weight and sweat level. It is recommended to seek advice from a nutritionist or health professional for personalized guidance.
What is the importance of moisture in energy gels?
Hydration Balance Energy gels are potent energy boosters, but don't expect to extract 300 ml of fluid from a 60 ml gel. It is important to have realistic expectations, as each gel has limited capacity to maintain your hydration balance. Digestibility A good energy gel also includes moisture to facilitate the smooth absorption of carbohydrates. The moisture acts as a conductor for the carbohydrates in your intestines, promoting better digestibility. It is always beneficial to have fluid in your gels to enhance proper digestion. Speed of Absorption An additional benefit of moisture in energy gels is the faster and more complete absorption of carbohydrates. Thick, sticky gels can cause up to a 50% loss in absorption. Therefore, moisture in gels is advantageous to increase the efficiency of carbohydrate absorption. Isotonic Gels Isotonic gels are an outdated science where you receive fewer carbohydrates and overly focus on fluid intake. A good energy gel contains sufficient moisture (without being isotonic) for the above reason and, in reality, has nearly the same fluid absorption as an isotonic gel but with a lot more energy.
What is the difference between an energy gel and energy bar?
The evolution of Neapharma energy gels is such that they are nearly as digestible as solid food. Therefore, there is almost no difference in digestibility between gels and solid food. However, solid food is less aggressive in terms of insulin response and has a less significant impact on blood sugar levels, making solid food a more stable and long-lasting source of energy. Energy gels are quicker to be absorbed but also have a faster onset and decline. Absorption time Bars: 6 - 12min
Effect Bars: 45 -120min Absorption time Gels: 4 -6 min
Effect Gels: 45 - 50 min
What is isomaltulose?
Isomaltulose is one of the most powerful and complex carbohydrates in sports science. It has a slower metabolism than sucrose, resulting in a more gradual increase in blood glucose levels. It is often used as a carbohydrate source with a low glycemic index. This means that it can provide both quick and sustained energy. It prevents energy dips because of its prolonged effect. Therefore, it is also an ideal substance for carbohydrate loading. This way, with a combination of various carbohydrates and isomaltulose, you can go up to 120g of carbohydrates per hour!
Who is co-founder Kristof De Kegel?
Kristof De Kegel, the Head of Performance at the renowned cycling team Alpecin-Deceuninck and the women's team Fenix-Deceuninck, is also the passionate exercise physiologist behind the innovative Neapharma products. Among the list of athletes are Mathieu van Der Poel, Wout Van Aert, Puck Pieterse, and Stijn De Volder. Together with sports dietitian Kjell De Potter, Kristof consistently strives for the ultimate support of athletes through the development and testing of cutting-edge supplements and their application. Kristof and Kjell are also the developers of the Free Fuel Plan App, where you can create your own sports nutrition plan by combining 6 carbohydrates with each other.
